98 PART 111. Parliament
measures by threats of revolt among their followers. To-day
members are returned to Parliament with the assistance of their
party; without this assistance they cannot hold their seats. The
threat of a dissolution involving the expense of an election, and
still more the threat of the withdrawal of the support of the party
organisation, will, except in rare cases, ensure the maintenance of the
Government in office, until it seeks a dissolution at a time chosen by
itself,
Parliamen- Although the real power to promote legislation rests with the
tary control. Cabinet and, as will be shown, it is difficult for Parliament to keep
any real control over expenditure, it must not be assumed that
Parliament has no control over Ministers. The defeat of the
Government in the Commons in practice seldom occurs, even in the
case of one which commands only a small majority. Moreover, it is
only defeat on a major issue which constitutionally compels resigna-
tion. Parliament, however, is a deliberative as well as a legislative
assembly. Debates of real value may take place during discussions
on expenditure which, though failing to alter immediate programmes,
may influence subsequent policy. Motions can be moved asking
for papers, or for the appointment of commissions or committees
of enquiry. The daily question hour, during which questions are
addressed to Ministers, provides an opportunity for concentrating
public attention on topics of current concern. Parliamentary ques-
tions are also of value in securing the redress of individual grievances.
The use of question hour for this purpose is a real constitutional safe-
guard. Civil servants are aware that departmental action for which
they are responsible to their Minister may result in a parliamentary
question which may embarrass him in the House. Important debates
arise on the Address in reply to the Speech from the Throne at A&
opening of a session; on the Budget speech of the Chancellor of the
Exchequer; on a formal motion of censure and on other occasions
apart from the ordinary legislative business. Debates unconnected
with the passage of legislation are particularly useful in the House
of Lords for the discussion of imperial and foreign affairs. Forty
members may at the end of question time move the adjournment of
the House of Commons in order to discuss a definite matter accepted
by the Speaker as of urgent importance. If so accepted, the motion
is taken later the same day. The debates on the estimates, taken on
Supply days, serve the purpose of providing occasions for general
debates on adsBMstetikxot and policy, although the scope of debate
is limited by the rtxfe that proposals for legislation may not be
discussed, These is usually an interval of half an hour .every day
between the close of public business and the time fixed for the
adjournment of the House. An adjournment motion is moved and
the ensuing half-hour may be used for raising matters which cannof